Our Theology

We are a community organized around our faith in Jesus Christ, our “savior,” one who saves, based on his life, death and resurrection. We understand God as expressed in three persons (the “Trinity”): God, (Father, Creator, Holy One, Almighty); Jesus (savior, redeemer, son, brother, friend), and Holy Spirit (sustainer, comforter, inspiration, ruach or holy breath/wind).

The Bible, church tradition, our reasoning, and our experience of God showing up in our daily living form the basis of how we express our faith. Our worship centers us on the two great commandments Jesus taught: to love God with all our heart, soul and mind, and our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 10:25-27), as well as the one new commandment Jesus gave those who choose to follow him: I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another (John 13:34).

We are a church in covenant as part of the United Church of Christ (UCC). The UCC was formed in 1957 with Jesus’ fervent prayer echoing in the background. Shortly before his death Jesus prayed on behalf of his beloved disciples, that they may all be one (John 17:21).

We believe as our denominational president Karen Georgia Thompson says, in “a big tent.” In a world of deep polarization, we welcome you as you are. Period. That phrase above in the purple banner says it all. It’s the motto of the UCC and it’s a guiding principle here at Falkner Swamp.

The Church is a Community

The church calls us out of our “bubbles.” This can be both frightening and freeing. We believe that when we come out of our isolation to join in community, God feeds us at the Communion table hosted by Christ; we are nudged to mission, growth and change by the Spirit; and we are blessed by simple pleasures like sharing conversation over snacks after worship.

We welcome you to join us “with gladness and delight” as Rev. Frances often says each Sunday. Discover for yourself life in Christ at Falkner Swamp. We hope to meet you soon!

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Links to our denomination, the UCC, and to our church’s distinguished history
Contact Form
Directions to Falkner Swamp UCC
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Rev. Frances Chester

Rev. Frances began serving Falkner Swamp in 2015 and was called as the pastor, three-quarter time, in June 2018. She was ordained in 2005 at her home church, First Community Church, in Columbus, Ohio. As a child and throughout her life, she was nurtured by evangelical Christian mentors while attending mainline Protestant churches. Her prayer, study, and attentiveness to God’s activity in her life and others is informed by these multiple Christian faith lenses.

“My role as pastor is shaped by seeing the truth of my life as held in the arms of a loving Creator; forged by study and scripture, enabled by Christian community, and charged by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. All these elements are present in each of us. The greatest joy in ministry for me is to help others express their God-given gifts and talents to heal and spread love. Through them, I believe God’s beloved community is made manifest on earth as it is in heaven, a central line in the prayer Jesus taught his disciples to pray.

Falkner Swamp began forming in 1720 and is the oldest, continuous serving German Reformed church in the United States, so I stand on the shoulders of giants. I am privileged and grateful to serve this congregation."